It comes as no surprise to most parents that the cost of childcare is exorbitant. A study by ChildCare Aware of America found that the average price of child care in the US was $13,128. Accordingly, parents making a median income would pay 10% of their salary to afford just one year of care. For single parents, the burden is even greater, with an estimated 35% of their income going to childcare costs.
These figures do not even take into account other costs associated with raising a child such as transportation, health care and food. Given the jaw dropping amounts, many parents find it more affordable to stay home with the kids. Here are six states where parents need the least income for one parent to stay home, according to SmartAsset.
